Winthrop Loses One of Their Best and Still They Are Giving [PHOTOS]

This beautiful smile belongs to 17 year old, Kelsey Stoneton of Winthrop. Kelsey passed away unexpectedly this past weekend surrounded by her amazing family. Now an entire town and more are rallying around the family and it's truly a beautiful thing. 

Kelsey's friend Aaron White says "She really is the type of person that you only meet once in a lifetime." I spoke with Aaron via Facebook after seeing several links to help raise money for the family and funeral/medical expenses. The entire town of Winthrop and now beyond all rallied around them raising over $16,000 in just a few short days.

Kelsey was a field hockey star and in the top five of her class, an all American girl. Everyone that knew her, loved her. She recently had trouble breathing at a field hockey game. Last week they went to the hospital to have some tests done when she collapsed from a pulmonary embolism (a blockage of the arteries in her lungs). Her father Joel resuscitated her bringing her back long enough to hear her say she loves him, which he is incredibly grateful for. This is a heart breaking story considering she came back several times before finally passing away.  Both her dad and mom Kim are incredible people. Kim was the last to leave her hospital room even writing on the white board "She is so special." Through the pain of losing her child she even took the time to post on Facebook a need for stories about their daughter for her friends to help them heal. This seems to be the theme of the people of Winthrop, giving back. Within hours there were cards and flowers on the family's doorstep. On Sunday more than 200 showed up for a candlelight vigil.

Kelsey worked at "Fast Eddies" as a waitress for the past two years and worked her last shift the day before she was rushed to the hospital. They have a Friday night benefit (8-8 5pm-8pm).  

There are also several other fundraisers happening...

-The Red Barn: Thursday, August 7th Riverside Dr.  (4pm-8pm) 50% of sales goes to the family.

-Winthrop House of Pizza: Sat, August 9th 4-7 entire profit goes to the family.

-Fielder's Choice Ice Cream: Manchester, Collecting funds for the family through August 10th

-Jeanie Trapp Blanchard: (family friend) Had this amazing message on her Facebook page:

"Change in plan: As many of my friends know, I opted not to take senior pictures this year in order to give myself extra time to focus on my real estate career. I have made the decision to open up 10 senior photo sessions for the graduating class of 2015. The cost will be 350.00 and will include a cd of the proof set. 100% of proceeds will be given to the Stoneton family in hopes of helping them to cover medical bills, etc. (or whatever is needed) If successful, we can raise 3,500.00!"

#KelseyStoneton